Whilst the original braking systems on a new 4WD vehicle from the showroom is more than adequate for the job, it can be a very different story once the vehicle is decked out with the wide range of accessories as the weight of the vehicle overall can be dramatically increased.
“Consider the weight of accessories such as a canopy, storage draws, a winch, bullbar, driving lights, a fridge, second spare wheel, larger fuel tank, second battery, roof rack, etc., and it is easy to see why the braking system is under greatly increased pressure and safety becomes a real issue,” says Bendix Product Manager Ian Campbell. ”Then there is an additional factor of the weight of a heavy caravan or outback trailer behind to consider.”
Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade
Bendix has addressed this with the hugely successful Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit which is providing drivers with improved stopping power in the most demanding emergency situations and general peace of mind with greatly reduced stopping distances overall.
The comprehensive kit includes Ultimate 4WD Brake Pads with a specially compounded high performance ceramic material brake pads for increased stopping power; plus the latest Bendix Ultimate Rotors designed and developed specifically for Australia and New Zealand’s demanding conditions.
The new rotors are manufactured to the highest level of precision engineering based on OEM specifications and incorporate innovative technology such as high carbon metallurgy for increased braking performance plus special diamond tip slots and a special bi-directional pillar design to quickly and efficiently expel gases, water, dust and grit.
Together this provides the driver with absolute control when braking in extreme conditions with instant response and even friction.
Ultimate 4WD brake pads in the kit are manufactured from an advanced ceramic compound with the benefit of low dust and reduced noise whilst providing high temperature stability and excellent fade resistance.
Mechanical Retention System technology as used in commercial brake pads is used in the manufacture of these pads for improved attachment strength for heavy duty operating conditions which are ideally matched to the slotted design of the rotors.
Braided hoses too!
Easy-to-fit braided brake hoses designed and manufactured in compliance with SAE J1401 specifications that won’t expand under pressure and have a strong protective sleeve are included in the kit and deliver a firm brake pedal. These are also kit options for vehicles where the height of the vehicle has been raised.
“With an additional 15 new part numbers recently released, the Bendix Ultimate 4WD Brake Upgrade Kits cover most popular 4WD vehicles and dual cab utes providing additional safety for the driver and their families,” Ian Campbell told NZ4WD.
For more information on the Bendix 4WD Brake Upgrade Kit free call the Bendix Brake Advice Centre on +61 3 5327 0211 from overseas (8.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday EST), email brakeadvicecentre@bendix.com.au or visit www.bendix.co.nz
